Northwest Talk.

The state of his career: Once again it was lights, camera...

The state of his career: Once again it was lights, camera, action, but this time Tom Rivera was in the spotlight as he picked up the first Emmy award of his 25-year television career.

Rivera of Roselle, who spends most of his time heading the Greater Woodfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, recently won a local Emmy, along with his wife, Kathy, for the "Pride in Illinois--Geography" program. One of five in the "Pride in Illinois" series that ran on local PBS stations in early 1995, Rivera's show bested 49 other entries.

As executive producer, Tom wrote the script for the show and put together the creative ideas, and producer Kathy handled shooting and editing. Co-producer Jane Serbus and newsman Bill Kurtis, who narrated the half-hour program, also shared the honors.

Aimed at audiences 12 years old and up, the program presented a social history of the state and dealt with topics such as Illinois' physical features, its transportation systems and assets that make the state attractive for businesses.

"We felt from the beginning that if people knew all the things that comprised their state and tied into its history, they really would have a pride in Illinois," Tom Rivera said. "Some people will think that's a hokey goal, but I think it's supremely important in keeping the state viable as we move into an age in which competition is going to get nothing but more fierce."

A former newspaper reporter, Rivera says not many people know of his sideline in TV.

"I'm really thrilled," said Rivera, who keeps his lone statue on his office credenza. Kathy has 19 others.